Did you know that hotels can reduce up to 20% of their energy consumption through effective energy efficiency strategies?

In HORECA supply management and in particular in the hotel industry, where energy consumption represents a large part of the operating costs, finding ways to optimize this aspect is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for the hotelier's pocket. But how can this reduction be achieved without compromising guest comfort, and what are the most effective strategies for improving energy efficiency in hotels?

In this article, we will explore how to improve energy efficiency in hotels, providing hoteliers with practical tools to reduce costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Benefits of making your hotel energy efficient

Energy efficiency is much more than just a trend in the hotel industry. It has become a strategic necessity that offers a wide range of both economic and environmental benefits. Some of these benefits are:

1. Reduced operating costs

By optimising energy consumption, hotels can significantly reduce their electricity and gas bills, which translates into higher profit margins. For example, home automation is a type of technology that is gaining more and more attention as it offers smart solutions for efficient resource management, reducing utility consumption.‍

2. Improved brand image

Guests increasingly value sustainability and prefer to stay in establishments that care about the environment. An energy efficient hotel projects a positive and responsible image.

3. Regulatory compliance

Environmental regulations are becoming stricter, and energy efficient hotels are better able to comply with them, avoiding penalties and fines.

4. Competitive advantage

Energy efficiency can become a differentiating factor that attracts more customers and builds customer loyalty.

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Steps for reducing energy consumption in hotels

Optimizing a hotel's energy consumption requires a comprehensive approach covering different areas. The following are the key steps to achieve greater efficiency:

Energy audit: Fundamental step

A professional energy audit is the starting point to identify the areas where energy consumption is highest and to establish a customized action plan. This detailed analysis will reveal opportunities for improvement and allow you to prioritize investments according to their impact.

In addition, the importance of having energy consultants is that they help you choose the most suitable electricity tariff for your hotel, with no hidden costs and preferably from renewable sources. 

Efficient technologies and equipment

• Efficient lighting: Replace traditional light bulbs with LED lights, which consume up to 80% less energy and last much longer. Also, consider using motion sensors to avoid wasting light in low-traffic areas.
• Smart climate control: Install programmable thermostats that automatically adjust the temperature according to room occupancy and times of day. Regular maintenance of air conditioning systems is also key to ensuring efficiency.
• Efficient appliances: Opt for A+++ energy-certified appliances, which consume less energy without sacrificing performance.
• Insulation: Good insulation in walls, ceilings and windows prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning.
• Consumption monitoring technologies: Technology plays a key role in optimizing energy consumption. Supply management platforms such as Polaroo make it possible to monitor consumption by day, month and even hours and to detect consumption patterns and locate possible leaks or inefficiencies.

Supply management

• Green energy: Choosing green energy suppliers and negotiating competitive tariffs are key to reducing energy costs. Having a team of experts to advise on supply management can make a big difference to your final bill.
• Renewable energy: Consider installing solar panels to generate your own electricity. Although the initial investment may be high, in the long run it will save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Water management: Install low-flow faucets and shower heads, as well as rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and other non-potable uses. It is essential to be conscious of water consumption. Learn how to save water in the HORECA sector. 

Guests education and engagement

• Staff and guest awareness: Train your staff on energy saving practices and encourage guests to participate, e.g. by reusing towels and turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Involving guests in energy saving is essential. Small gestures such as turning off lights when leaving the room or reusing towels can have a considerable impact on the overall consumption of the hotel.

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Tips for promoting sustainability in hotels

In addition to technical measures, there are other actions that hotels can implement in order to promote sustainability:

• Use of green cleaning products: Opting for biodegradable and non-toxic products reduces environmental impact and improves indoor air quality.
• Waste reduction: Implementing recycling, composting and material reuse programs helps to minimize waste generation.
• Promoting sustainable mobility: Offering bicycles to guests, encouraging the use of public transport or installing charging points for electric vehicles are ways to reduce the hotel's carbon footprint.
• Collaboration with local suppliers: Prioritizing the purchase of local products reduces emissions associated with transport and supports the local economy.

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Future of hotel energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a constantly evolving path. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things, offer enormous potential to further optimize energy consumption in hotels. The integration of smart systems that learn from usage patterns and automatically adjust lighting, air conditioning and other services will be key to achieving greater efficiency in the future.

In conclusion, it should be noted that reducing energy consumption in hotels is an achievable and win-win goal. By implementing the above strategies and taking advantage of available technologies, it can significantly reduce operating costs, improve brand image and contribute to a more sustainable future.

If you need more information or would like to find out more about it and consider new ways of optimizing supply management, contact us and request a demo.